Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 champion, suffered severe injuries today after a skiing accident in France and is in critical condition at a Grenoble hospital.

According to an official statement, Schumacher was skiing alone when the fall took place and his head hit a rock; he was "suffering serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival."

Initial reports indicated the driver was conscious after the accident and was attended to by a pair of ski patrollers who requested a helicopter transport Schumacher to a hospital.

Schumacher was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and is with his wife and children. He retired from the F1 circuit in 2012 and turns 45 years old on January 3.

UPDATE: Schumacher's spokesperson, Sabine Kehm, released a statement to the official F1 website, confirming the accident happened on "a private ski trip." She added:

"He was taken to hospital and is receiving professional medical care. We ask for understanding that we cannot give continuous information about his health. He was wearing a helmet and was not alone. For his fall, no other person was involved."